Microscopical Structure of The Corpus Luteum of Rabbit During Postpartum

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University

Abstract

In rabbit, The corpora lutea of pregnancy persist for some time during the postpartum period. The morphological characteristics of growth and regression of rabbit corpora lutea were investigated by light and scanning electron microscopy during the postpartum. The corpus luteum (CL) of rabbit ovary was greatly decreased in size at 3-10 days postpartum. This change was accompanied by a decrease in the size of the lutein cells. As these cells shrink in size, a gradual invasion of collagen fibers and fibroblasts appear in the central cavity of the CL. Also during structural regression the mean number of large lutein cells was markedly and significantly decreased, while the mean number of the interstitial gland cells was significantly increased. Macrophages and other connective tissue cells were not observed during regression indicating that these cells in the rabbit, unlike other species, may not play an important role in luteolysis as apoptosis do. The survival of the corpora lutea being apparently related to the duration of lactation and the frequency of suckling as it was suggested by some authors.

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Veterinary Medical Journal (Giza)
Volume 62, Issue 4
October 2016
Pages 95-104

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